Using Cellular Automata to Generate High-Density Building Form

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1 Using Cellular Automata to Generate High-Density Building Form Christiane M. Herr Thomas Kvan Department of Architecture The University of Hong Kong

2 overview aim of investigation: development of a theoretical framework for the integration of CA into the architectural design process CA as generative strategy in architecture generating variety for high-density contexts test implementation conclusions

3 CA adaptations to specific tasks urban planning: pedestrian movements biology: pattern studies adaptation to specific contexts: from classical systems to specific applications geography: land use development implementation and extension of CA models in biology, engineering, geography, urban planning transition rules states cell neighbourhoods dynamic cells engineering: finite elements

4 CA as variety generator in architecture Frazer & students Coates & students Watanabe Krawczyk CA as generative design approach CA features of interest in architectural contexts: variety from simple rules bottom-up processes numerical constraints unpredictability / surprise spatial relationships of elements Clarke

goal, develop rules accordingly What level of control is

5 CA as part of the design process Two strategies for CA as design tool: define the rules, experimental outcome specify the goal, develop rules accordingly What level of control is desired? CA cells: what granularity is appropriate? bricks vs larger units

6 CA as part of the design process Donald Schön s model of design: reflection-in-action as a cyclic process, conversation with a situation CA in Schön s design process model: potential to assist design moves and evaluation

7 generative design systems and interaction Direct manipulation: drawing board Generation and evaluation: evolutionary systems Fully automated: L-System generative support for iterative design processes: phases of alternating automated generation and manual interaction

8 generative design systems and interaction Direct manipulation: drawing board Generation and evaluation: evolutionary systems Fully automated: L-System generative support for iterative design processes: phases of alternating automated generation and manual interaction

9 high-density architecture architectural context for CA implementation large numbers numeric constraints / rules complex spatial relationships lack of variety in high-density context speed and efficiency: monotony need for strategies to develop alternatives

10 test implementation re-modelling of an architectural project Cero9: northern style housing competition Aomori/Japan 2001 high-density modular/easily discernible units architects documentation of structured sequential design process CA modifications required in design applications

11 test implementation 25 micro-scyscrapers: composition of basic units additional extensions commercial and public units connections between towers

12 Cero9: design process design process: sequence of operations on units operations on 2d and 3d arrays of objects, flexible rules

CA adapted to Cero9 s design process adapting the

CA script support in 3ds functions to be assigned

identical no uniform grid lattice variety of cell

13 CA adapted to Cero9 s design process adapting the CA system: approximating Cero9 s design classic CA script support in 3ds functions to be assigned to object types CA adaptations: cells are not identical no uniform grid lattice variety of cell neighbourhoods network/graph automata network/graph CA

environment 3 generating inclination positions for towers 4 Generating ground floor

14 CA adapted to Cero9 s design process 5, 6, 7, 8 illustration of sequence: phase-specific CA functionality 1 arranging towers in grid on site 2 adjusting positions according to environment 3 generating inclination positions for towers 4 Generating ground floor extensions of towers 5 extrusion of towers 6 tower inclinations 7 extensions 8 cantilevered connections

15 Cero9: remodelling outcomes variations in outcome: generative potential of rules/variables and manual interaction

16 conclusions Conclusions: test implementation indicates necessary adaptations states networks instead of grids variety of cell geometries evaluation models 2D & 3D mixtures CA models: graph/network CA more appropriate to model morphology further tests: What kind of CA model suits design applications? How can CA support the design process?

17 Using Cellular Automata to Generate High-Density Building Form Christiane M. Herr Thomas Kvan Department of Architecture The University of Hong Kong

Using Cellular Automata to Generate High-Density Building Form

Using Cellular Automata to Generate High-Density Building Form HERR Christiane M. and KVAN Thomas Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Keywords: Abstract: cellular